Department of History

About the Department

The History Department of Dr. B. Ambedkar Satabarshik Mahavidyalaya was established from the very inception of the college in 2005. However, Honours course in History was started only in 2016. The department focuses on teaching Indian history from prehistoric times till the early postcolonial period, European history from ancient era till the twentieth century, and world history for the twentieth century. The department introduced CBCS from 2018 in B. A. 1st year as per the recommendations of UGC and guidelines of West Bengal State University. The Department continues with one Assistant Professor and two State Aided College Teachers. Our qualified and energetic faculties are committed to follow the teaching approach balancing a curriculum which can help the students for careers anywhere in future. Our teaching process combines standard lectures accompanied by visual and audio-visual aids with interactive sessions and discussions. Focus is also placed on interdisciplinary approaches in study with the help of inter-departmental lectures and discussions. Department members often take part in national and international conferences.

LEARNING OUTCOME

Program Outcome:

Bachelor of Arts (B. A) Programme includes both language group (Bengali, English, Sanskrit and other regional languages) and Social Science (Political Science, Philosophy, History, Sociology, Education). B. A Programme promotes knowledge in many fields of Arts for the undergraduate students and it helps to groom students’ writing skill and communication skill. Successful students from Bachelor of Arts may opt for various job opportunities. Program Specific Outcome: History is a major subject in Social Science. The word History derives from the Greek Word ‘Historia’ which means ‘inquiry’ or ‘knowledge acquired by investigation’. It is often argued that what is the use or relevance of studying History since it is the story telling process of incidents or events of distant past? The answer may be — “What happened in the past profoundly affects all aspects of our lives in the present and will, indeed affect what happens in the future”– Arthur Marwick (2001) History is unavoidable since it studies the past and the legacies of the past in the present. History connects things through time and encourages students to take a long view of such connections. History helps us to understand the linkages between past and present which is absolutely basic for a good understanding of the condition of human being. Ø The study of the past is essential for ‘rooting’ people and societies in time. History provides a unique insight into human nature and human civilization. The analysis and interpretation of history provides an essential context for evaluating contemporary institutions, politics, and cultures. Ø History is a major important discipline in the Social Sciences which is concerned with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. History is distinguished by its singularly broad scope since every subject has a history and can be analyzed and interpreted in historical perspective and context. Ø In order to make sense of current affairs it is important to study the past, as everything which is happening around us has been influenced by, and is a direct result of, that which preceded it. In this way, the study of History is explicitly relevant to us. Ø Studying History provides a student with skills which are not confined to the study of the past. It develops skills in critical thinking and reading, i.e., to differentiate between historical facts and historical interpretations and assess the credibility of primary and secondary sources. History also helps us to develop Research skill, i.e., to formulate historical questions, collection of data from variety of sources and identifying gaps and missing links available in various sources. Course Outcome: History Honours and General courses include Ancient, Medieval and Modern Indian History. However Honours courses are more elaborate which includes World’s History (Ancient, Medieval Modern and Contemporary) and especial emphasis has been given on European History, History of China and Japan, South and South East Asian History. Therefore By looking at the history of different cultures, a History student can build up a better understanding of why certain peoples act the way they do. In reading the history of India we can see why the Caste system still remains in the subcontinent. Looking at the history of gender in India and comparing it to the other continent we can see why gender discrimination in India is still continuing and how far it is different from the rest of the World and why? As we know that ‘Skills’ of analysis are invaluable in many jobs and vital to decision making. It not only provides a skill set for a student but it also keeps career options open. In India, there are many jobs in Government sectors in which one may be recruited through examinations like Public Service Commission, Civil Service, IPS, Banking etc. In such examinations Indian History has been treated as ‘General Knowledge’. However, one can easily choose his or her career as Academician, since History as a Discipline is teaches in Schools, Colleges and Universities of India.